Using Cell Therapies to Treat Your Pain
Regenerative medicine is an area of medical care that uses cell therapy, such as stem cells or regenerative cells, to treat a disease or injury. It isn’t fully understood how these cells work, but researchers think they could repair diseased or damaged tissues.
Regenerative medicine can be used to treat arthritis, ligament injuries and acute and chronic tendon injuries.
We’re leading several research projects and offer the most advanced regenerative medicine care in the region. If you’re interested in learning more, talk to a provider near you. We’ll answer your questions and help find the right treatment for you.
Orthobiologic Treatment Options
Orthobiologics treat musculoskeletal injuries through cells taken from fat, blood or bone marrow. These treatments may reduce your pain, accelerate healing and improve recovery.
Your treatment options may include:
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
A small amount of fat is taken from your abdomen or gluteal area. The regenerative cells in this sample are isolated and tested. The cells are then injected into the area of your body where you need the treatment.
We’re the only site in the country that offers a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved study to treat osteoarthritis affecting the ankles, hips, knees, shoulders or wrists. This service is not currently an FDA-approved clinical treatment.
Bone Marrow Cells
Bone marrow is the spongy part of bones that contains many cells. Our providers will access these regenerative cells through a process called bone marrow aspiration.
They’ll remove bone marrow from the bone tissue at the back of the pelvis and isolate the regenerative cells. Those cells will then be injected into the part of your body that needs treatment.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
A treatment of PRP may help your body heal, improve movement and decrease pain. PRP is taken from your blood.
We’ll take a small sample of blood for processing, where we isolate plasma and platelets. These cells are then injected into the site of your injury.
Additional Same Day Treatment Options
Orthobiologic treatments aren’t right for all conditions. If you struggle with joint or tendon pain but aren’t a good candidate for orthobiologics, you still have options.
We offer:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the area surrounding a healthy joint. Over time, the amount of this acid in your joints may decrease. We can inject hyaluronic acid directly into your joint to help cushion and protect an affected area.
- Steroid Injections: Steroids are a type of medication that helps decrease inflammation. We inject this medication into inflamed areas to decrease swelling and pain.
Contact a Specialist
We have locations that offer regenerative medicine and orthobiologics in Fargo, North Dakota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Visit a location near you.
Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Fargo
Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Sioux Falls
To learn more, call us in Fargo at (701) 417-6000 or Sioux Falls at (605) 328-3700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine isn’t for all musculoskeletal conditions. You may be a candidate if you:
- Are over the age of 18
- Suffer from new or ongoing joint pain
- Limit your activities due to your joint and tendon pain
- Have been putting off seeing your doctor because you don’t want surgery
How can I pay for regenerative medicine treatments?
Regenerative medicine therapies are not covered by most health insurance providers. Check with your health insurance company for more information about your policy.
Sanford Health’s regenerative medicine treatments may cost less than most insurance deductibles. Our team will gladly review all expenses with you at your clinic consultation visit.